Staring at a blank LinkedIn post for 30 minutes. Writing something. Deleting it. Closing the tab. Telling yourself you'll post "later."
Sound familiar?
Here's the thing: the people posting consistently on LinkedIn aren't more creative than you. They just have a system. A library of proven formats they can pull from when inspiration doesn't strike.
This is that library.
I've broken down 20 LinkedIn post ideas into five categories. Each one comes with a fill-in-the-blank formula plus a more natural variation—because nobody wants their posts to sound robotic.
Want to skip straight to generating ideas? Try our free LinkedIn Post Ideas Generator—it'll give you customized ideas based on your industry.
How to Use This Guide
Each post idea follows this structure:
- The Formula: Fill-in-the-blank template you can customize
- Examples: Two variations you can adapt to any business
- Why It Works: The psychology behind engagement
Don't try to use all 20 at once. Pick 3-4 that feel natural and rotate them into your content mix. Consistency beats variety.
Category 1: Founder Stories
Stories outperform tips 3:1 on LinkedIn. People connect with people, not advice.
Idea #1: The Failure Story
Formula: "I made a mistake that cost us [specific consequence]. Here's what happened and what I learned."
Version A: "Last month, we shipped a feature without proper testing. It broke for 40% of our users. Here's the full story and the process change we made so it never happens again..."
Version B (more conversational): "I ordered 5,000 units based on a TikTok trend. Total flop. Lost $23K. Here's what I wish someone had told me about trend-chasing..."
Why it works: Vulnerability builds trust. Specificity makes it believable. The lesson makes it valuable.
Idea #2: The Decision Moment
Formula: "We debated [Option A] vs [Option B] for [timeframe]. Here's why we chose [decision] and what happened."
Version A: "We debated raising prices vs. adding a new tier for 3 weeks. Here's the data that changed our minds..."
Version B (more narrative): "Amazon or our own website? We went back and forth for months. Here's what finally made the decision obvious (and the unexpected problem we didn't see coming)..."
Why it works: Behind-the-scenes decisions fascinate people. Shows thinking process, not just outcomes.
Idea #3: The "I Used to Think" Reversal
Formula: "I used to think [old belief]. Then [specific experience] happened. Now I know [new belief]."
Version A: "I used to think product-led growth meant zero sales team. Then we hit $500K ARR and stalled. Now I know PLG + sales isn't either/or..."
Version B (more personal): "I used to think every client was a good client. Then one project nearly bankrupted us. Here's how I think about 'good fit' now..."
Why it works: Shows growth and evolution. Readers see themselves in the old belief.
Idea #4: The Customer Win (With Permission)
Formula: "[Customer type] came to us with [problem]. Here's what we did and the result they got."
Version A: "A 3-person startup asked if our tool could handle enterprise workflows. Six months later, they're managing 200 employees on it. Here's how we scaled together..."
Version B (more casual): "A customer bought the same product 5 times in 3 months. I called to ask why. The answer completely changed how we think about repeat purchases..."
Why it works: Social proof through storytelling. Shows expertise without bragging.
Category 2: Industry Insights
Position yourself as someone who thinks about the industry, not just works in it.
Idea #5: The Contrarian Take
Formula: "Everyone says [common advice]. Here's why that's wrong for [specific situation]."
This is where bold opinions shine. Dharmesh Shah, co-founder of HubSpot, is a master at this.
In this post, he talks about the difference between "performing" for attention versus genuinely sharing value. His take: generous sharing builds real audience. Performance just builds vanity metrics.
Version A: "Everyone says 'focus on one ICP.' Here's why we're intentionally serving two—and why it's working..."
Version B (more direct): "Everyone says free shipping is table stakes. We charge for shipping. Our conversion rate went UP. Here's why..."
Why it works: Contrarian opinions stop the scroll. Brave takes earn respect (even from people who disagree).
Idea #6: The Data Surprise
Formula: "We analyzed [data set]. The result surprised us: [unexpected finding]. Here's what it means..."
Version A: "We analyzed 10,000 user sessions. Users who watched our onboarding video churned MORE than those who skipped it. Here's why..."
Version B (more intriguing): "We tracked 5,000 orders. Products with 4.2-star ratings outsold 5-star products by 23%. The psychology behind it is fascinating..."
Why it works: Data cuts through opinions. Unexpected findings create intrigue.
Idea #7: The Trend Prediction
Formula: "Here's what I think will happen in [industry] over the next [timeframe]. And here's why..."
Version A: "In 2027, most B2B software will be purchased without ever talking to sales. Here are 3 shifts that make this inevitable..."
Version B (more speculative): "AI won't replace agencies. But agencies that ignore AI will be replaced by agencies that don't. Here's how we're adapting..."
Why it works: Forward-thinking content positions you as a leader. Creates discussion and debate.
Idea #8: The "What Nobody Tells You" Reveal
Formula: "What nobody tells you about [topic]: [insider truth that contradicts expectations]."
Version A: "What nobody tells you about hitting $1M ARR: the problems don't get smaller, they just get more expensive to fix..."
Version B (more honest): "What nobody tells you about agency life: the best clients often come from the worst projects..."
Why it works: Insider knowledge creates value. "Nobody tells you" promises exclusive insight.
Category 3: How-To & Tactical
Tactical content establishes expertise. Keep it actionable and specific.
Idea #9: The Mini Tutorial
Formula: "How to [achieve outcome] in 3 steps: 1) [Step] 2) [Step] 3) [Step]"
Version A: "How to reduce churn in 3 steps: 1) Identify your 'aha moment' 2) Get users there in under 5 minutes 3) Follow up with users who don't. Here's exactly how we did it..."
Version B (more casual): "How to close bigger retainers: 1) Lead with strategy, not deliverables 2) Price based on outcomes 3) Include a growth clause. Changed everything for us..."
Why it works: Numbered lists are scannable. "3 steps" promises simplicity.
Idea #10: The Tool/Resource Recommendation
Formula: "The [tool/resource] that changed how we [process]. Here's why it works and how we use it."
Version A: "The tool that changed our customer success process: Notion. Here's the exact template we use to track accounts..."
Version B (more specific): "The template that doubled our close rate: our 'Proposal Scorecard.' Here's what it includes and why clients love it..."
Why it works: People love tool recommendations. Specificity adds credibility.
Idea #11: The Template Share
Formula: "Here's the exact [template/framework] we use for [process]. Steal it."
Version A: "Here's the exact email sequence we use for failed payment recovery. Steal it. [Details in comments]"
Version B (more generous): "Here's our product launch checklist. 47 items we never skip. Steal it and save yourself the pain we went through..."
Why it works: Free value creates reciprocity. "Steal it" removes hesitation.
Idea #12: The "Exactly How I Did It" Breakdown
Formula: "Here's exactly how we [achieved specific result]: [detailed breakdown with numbers]."
Version A: "Here's exactly how we grew from 100 to 1,000 users in 90 days: $0 ad spend, 3 partnerships, and 1 viral post. Full breakdown..."
Version B (more transparent): "Here's exactly how we went from $0 to $50K MRR in 18 months: no cold outreach, no paid ads. Just this one channel..."
Why it works: Specificity builds trust. "Exactly how" promises no fluff.
Category 4: Engagement Drivers
These posts are designed to maximize comments and conversation.
Idea #13: The Opinionated Poll
Formula: "Hot take: [controversial opinion]. Agree or disagree? Vote and tell me why in comments."
Bold opinions are polarizing. That's the point. Leila Hormozi consistently demonstrates this.
In this post, she embraces being the exception—letting people judge, misunderstand, even talk negatively about her work. Her point: caring too much about consensus kills distinctiveness.
Version A: "Hot take: Free trials are dead. Freemium is the future. Agree or disagree?"
Version B (more provocative): "Hot take: We should fire 20% of our clients every year. It made us more profitable. Fight me in the comments..."
Why it works: Polls get 3x more engagement. Opinions invite debate.
Idea #14: The Unpopular Opinion
Formula: "Unpopular opinion: [statement that challenges conventional wisdom]. Here's my reasoning..."
Version A: "Unpopular opinion: We should charge MORE for our product. Here's why raising prices by 50% actually helped our customers..."
Version B (more contrarian): "Unpopular opinion: Influencer marketing is a waste of money for most brands. Here's what we did instead..."
Why it works: "Unpopular opinion" signals a brave take. Creates immediate tension.
Idea #15: The "What Would You Do?" Scenario
Formula: "You're faced with [realistic dilemma]. What would you do? Genuinely curious."
Version A: "A competitor just launched a feature we've been building for 6 months. What would you do: speed up launch or differentiate further?"
Version B (more relatable): "Your biggest client wants a 30% discount or they'll leave. They're 40% of revenue. What would you do? Genuinely curious..."
Why it works: Invites participation. Shows you value others' opinions.
Idea #16: The Milestone Celebration (With Gratitude)
Formula: "We just hit [milestone]. Here's who made it possible: [specific acknowledgments]. What I learned along the way..."
Milestone posts work best when they focus on the journey, not just the achievement. Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, does this masterfully.
In this video post, he shares Shopify's origin story—the purpose behind the company and glimpses from the early days. It's not "look how big we are" but "here's why we exist."
Version A: "We just crossed 1,000 paying customers. Here are the 5 people who made it possible (and what I learned from each)..."
Version B (more reflective): "Just celebrated 5 years in business. Here are the 3 clients who bet on us when nobody else would—and how they changed our trajectory..."
Why it works: Celebrations are positive. Gratitude makes it shareable. Lessons add value.
Category 5: Personal & Relatable
These posts humanize you. Use sparingly but consistently.
Idea #17: The Work-Life Moment
Formula: "Today I [personal moment]. It reminded me [business lesson or reflection]."
Version A: "My kid asked me what I actually do at work. Explaining it forced me to confront how complicated we've made our messaging..."
Version B (more vulnerable): "Took an actual lunch break today for the first time in weeks. The perspective shift in 30 minutes was more valuable than the previous 30 meetings combined..."
Why it works: Humanity builds connection. The business tie-in keeps it relevant.
Idea #18: The Real-Time Struggle
Formula: "Here's something I'm wrestling with right now: [current challenge]. How do you handle this?"
Version A: "I'm struggling to stay focused with everything happening. Some days feel productive, others feel like treading water. How do you handle the overwhelm?"
Version B (more specific): "Trying to hire our first full-time employee. Every candidate feels either overqualified or underqualified. Am I overthinking this?"
Why it works: Realness is rare. Asking for help invites engagement.
Idea #19: The Weekly Lesson
Formula: "This week I learned: [specific insight]. Here's the context..."
Version A: "This week I learned that saying 'I don't know' in a client meeting actually builds more trust than pretending to have all the answers..."
Version B (more reflective): "This week I learned our top-performing post took 5 minutes to write. The one I spent 2 hours on? Crickets. Still processing that..."
Why it works: Positions you as always learning. Weekly cadence creates anticipation.
Idea #20: The Genuine Ask
Formula: "I need help with [specific thing]. If you have experience with this, I'd love to hear your thoughts."
Version A: "I'm trying to decide between two directions for our product roadmap. Would love input from founders who've faced similar decisions..."
Version B (more direct): "Building our pricing page and can't decide: show annual pricing first or monthly? What's worked for you?"
Why it works: Asking for help is powerful. Shows humility and invites community.
The Consistency Factor
The best post idea in the world means nothing if you don't post it.
We covered the math behind consistency in our post on predictable LinkedIn growth, but here's the short version: posting 3x per week with "good enough" content beats posting 1x per month with "perfect" content every time.
These 20 ideas should give you months of content. Pick 4-5 that feel natural, rotate them, and stay consistent.
That's how LinkedIn actually works.
Generate Ideas Automatically
Two ways to make this even easier:
Free tool: Try our LinkedIn Post Ideas Generator—it gives you customized ideas based on your industry and goals. No signup required for basic ideas.
Full automation: If staring at blank posts is still a problem, our AI content generator can draft posts in your voice using these exact frameworks. Not to replace your thinking—but to get you from blank page to "something I can edit" in seconds.
Because the hardest part isn't knowing what to post. It's actually posting.
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